We are delighted to announce the opening of a new outreach base in Dungannon town. The base, which is run by Mid-Ulster Women’s Aid, will support women, children and young people who have or are experiencing domestic or sexual violence.
Among the attendees at the official opening was Mayor Councillor Sean McGuigan. Wearing the Women’s Aid white ribbon symbol at the opening, Mayor McGuigan said,
This outreach centre will provide much needed support for local people who find themselves the victims of domestic or sexual violence. The greatest attribute of Women’s Aid is that they not only meet the person at their point of need providing vital understanding, support and refuge but that they encourage the person to regain self-confidence, self-esteem and encourage to make changes which will lead to a brighter future.
Manager of Mid-Ulster Women’s Aid, Martina Hemmings explained that,
Staff will be based in the office situated in ‘First Steps’ building at 21A William St, Dungannon every Monday and Wednesday from 9.30am – 4.30pm for anyone requiring support because of their domestic or sexual violence situation. Although based in Dungannon, staff will be able to travel throughout the Borough Council area to provide this specialised support service, either in the individual’s own home or in a localised, mutually agreed venue.
domestic abuse is a crime and Women’s Aid has received an ever increasing number of referrals from the Dungannon Council area in the last 5 years. Last year alone, Police responded to 476 domestic related incidents in the Dungannon area. The service has been set up for an initial period of 1 year in order gauge both demand and the viability of having this outreach base.
If you are living in the Dungannon area and have suffered or are suffering domestic abuse and would like accommodation, support or information, please contact Mid-Ulster Women’s Aid on 028 867 69300 during office hours. Alternatively you can call the 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 802 1414 for support, advice, housing and refuge options and a listening ear in confidence. You can also make an appointment to speak to a trained and experienced worker in person in the new outreach office at First Steps, 21A William St, Dungannon, BT70 1DX .